Outline numbering faulty sequence

[Gordon Firth]

I have used www.shaunakelly.com. to set up my outline
numbering sequence but find that in the document when
changing from level 2 to level 3, the sequence is not
maintained. E.g. it goes from 2.3 to 3.1.1 (followed by
3.2.1) or from 1.1 to a sequence of 1.1.1, 1.2.1 . 1.13.1.
When I go to format style and check the number formatting
of level 3, the 'Previous level number' cell is blank.
With some difficulty I can get it to show level 2 but
when doing so I have to correct the sequence shown
under 'Number format', about 6 times (the periods and
numerals get out of sequence).
I have re-installed Office 2000, fully, from the CD (an
authentic copy) to no benefit. Windows XP pro, no
upgrades outstanding. Office 2000 has no upgrades
outstanding. Any help greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Gordon

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

When it gets this messed up, it's sometimes better to start from scratch.
Clear the number format for each level (or at least each one that is messed
up) and insert the previous level number, punctuation, and number style in
order as needed.

In other words, for Level 3, clear the entire "Number format" box, which
will set the number style to "(none)." Then proceed as follows:

1. With the insertion point in the "Number format" box, select Level 1 from
"Previous level number." This should insert a shaded 1 in the box.

2. Type a period. Then select Level 2 from "Previous level number."

3. Type another period. Then change the "Number style" to "1, 2, 3," which
should add a final shaded 1. Type another period if desired.

 

[Shauna Kelly]

Hi Gordon

To add to what Suzanne said, the most likely solution to your problem is
that you must *always* start the Format > Style proces when your cursor is
in a Heading 1 paragraph. Even if you want to fix up something to do with
the level 3 numbering, you must start with the cursor in a Heading 1
paragraph. It's the hardest part of this process to remember!

Hope this helps.

Shauna Kelly. Microsoft MVP.
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word

 

[Guest]

Thanks very much, it appears to be working correctly now.
In correcting it I nearly misled myself as, when changing
the "Number style" to "1, 2, 3," to get the final
shaded '1' under level 3, the cell 'Previous level
number' remains on 'level 1', although the numbering is
correct in the 'number format' cell. When I OK the change
and go to Word and try it, it appears to be working well.
But if I first try to get 'level 2' in the 'Previous
level number' when at level 3, the numbers are thrown out
of sequence again. Thanks again, Gordon.